Healthy Living

We always hear a whole lot about how to lose weight. In addition to fad diets that promise to help individuals shed pounds quickly, there are plenty of basic, common-sense ways lose weight. But those who want to gain weight, from athletes looking to bulk up to patients recovering from a weight-depleting surgery or procedure, are often left in the dark. That weight may be crucial to their health. Those who are underweight may be experiencing negative health effects, such as lack of energy, a weakened immune system and other health issues.

According to the Body Mass Index scale, which uses a person's height and weight to estimate their level of body fat, having a BMI of less than 18.5 qualifies as being underweight. Whatever your reason for looking to gain weight, there is a healthy way to do it. It's more than just packing on the calories from whatever fast food joint you decided to grab today. Learning how to gain weight the healthy way is a topic that many are unfamiliar with – but here's how to go about increasing the number you see on that scale:

Choose filling beverages
Seeking out high-calorie beverages like smoothies, shakes or liquid meal replacements is a great strategy for building muscle and gaining weight the healthy way. It's an easy way to increase your daily caloric intake. For your next snack or meal, reach for Naturade Weight Gain. With 21 grams of carbohydrates and 9 grams of protein per serving, you're going to amplify your caloric intake significantly. This protein powder can easily be added to tasty shakes and smoothies, giving you more energy and a more balanced weight gain program.

Consume the right foods
As a general rule, you should be consuming more calories than you expend. But rather than splurging on sweets and fast food, it's best to fill up on nutritionally sound foods to get the most out of the calories that you're consuming. In other words, you should be focused on quality over quantity. Choose nutrient-dense foods from all food groups. Here are a few foods that are going to help you to gain weight:

Fruit: Go for dried fruit like bananas, pineapple and raisins.Vegetables: The veggies higher in calories, but still high in nutritional value include, peas, potatoes, winter squash and corn.Whole grains: Look for whole grains in your pasta, bagels, bread and rice for a good source of carbohydrates that will give you the energy you need to take on the day.Dairy: Anything from cheese, yogurt or ice cream provide you with extra calories that are going to add up over time.Nuts and seeds: Some of the best nuts for gaining weight include sunflower seeds, flax seeds, brazil nuts, almonds, walnuts and peanuts.

Snack often
Just like your meals, your snacks should also be calorie-dense. When you're on the go, carry snacks like nuts, cheese, dried fruit, yogurt with granola, avocados, whole grain crackers or pretzels.

As we get older, we learn so many new things everyday through studying, work and everyday experiences. Of course we want to keep all of that new information fresh in our brain, but we understand that life can get busy and forgetfulness is normal. There are always ways to sharpen our minds and get on track to being healthy not only physically, but mentally as well.

Get some exercise
Simply taking a walk around the building during your lunch break or choosing the faraway parking spot at the mall are great ways to incorporate small amounts of exercise into your day. And while you'll be exercising your body, you'll be exercising your mind as well. When you exercise, you're sending oxygen to your brain. According to Discovery Channel, your mind depends on energy received through a constant intake of oxygen and nutrients from the bloodstream. Without those nutrients, the ability for the brain to perform at its best is diminished. And for an added bonus, it's a great immunity booster!

Take a supplement
Starting off your day with a memory supplement like Naturade MemorAid may be a great way to sharpen your mind and even defend against normal age-related decline. This supplement contains phosphatidylserine, which is naturally found in your brain and is involved in membrane fluidity and rejuvenation.

Switch the station
According to Fox News, simply altering the way you wake up may work to improve cognitive function. Try setting your alarm clock to a new radio station or a new song. We get so used to the same sounds upon waking up. However, unfamiliar sounds wake up your brain in a different way than your normal routine does.

Reorganize
A task as simple as re-organizing your closet can spark a different part of the brain. According to Refinery 29, when you redo your home and think in terms of color and patterns, you're using the posterior part of the brain versus the frontal area.

Play around
Refinery 29 suggested picking up your iPhone to play word games such as Words With Friends. Games like these may enhance your mind and even increase your everyday vocabulary!

Close your eyes
Instead of getting dressed in the morning with your eyes open, Fox News suggests switching things up a bit by putting them on blindly. Manning Rubin, co-author of "Keep Your Brain Alive" explained that if you blunt one of your senses, the others work harder, which may help to strengthen the brain. Just remember to pick out your clothes the night before!

Use your non​-dominant hand
Next time you sit down to dinner or head to the bathroom to brush your teeth, try using your non​-dominant hand. A bit more difficult, right? Well, using the hand that you're not so used to using can challenge your brain to exercise nerve cells on the side that you don't typically use.

Stay away from grease
Turns out, a diet high in fat may be linked to decreased brain function. According to a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, rats that snacked on foods packed with saturated fats and performed worse on memory tests than those rats who did not. Stick to a healthy diet filled with fruits, veggies and whole grains and indulge only once in awhile.

In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, many turn toward exercise. It's the perfect way to get your heart pumping, lift your mood, boost your immune system and even sharpen your mind. However, injuries often prevent people from exercising to their full potential. Here are a few ways to prevent those injuries before they occur and keep you as healthy as possible:

Joint supplements
By making a joint supplement like UltraFlex Gold Triple Action Joint Formula a part of your daily routine, you may be on your way to healthier joints within just five days. When running outdoors or on the treadmill, your joints are often put under stress, which can affect the way you feel when you exercise and may make it slightly uncomfortable. This joint supplement has natural antioxidant effects on the body which help to neutralize free radicals. Clinical studies have shown this supplement to promote joint comfort and even reduce stiffness.

Warm up and cool down
Making time for warm-up and cool-down sessions before and after your workouts is crucial for an effective workout – and can also protect you from sports-related injuries. By warming up your muscles, you'll have increased flexibility and full range of motion to really minimize your risk for injury. A warm-up could include a brisk five minute walk or even starting off with a slow jog just to get your blood pumping. Once your workout is done, decrease the intensity to get your heart rate down.

Stretch
Stretching before and after your workout is also crucial in preventing any muscle tears. Before you jump on that treadmill, make sure to stretch out all the parts of your legs- the quads, calves and hamstrings – to ensure your muscles are ready for a workout. According to Fit Day, stretching also increases the flow of oxygen to your muscles, which wards off things like cramps and aches.

Know your fitness level
Go into a workout knowing how much your body can handle. If you're not sure, start off at a lower intensity level and build your way up. If you jump right into an intense workout that your muscles aren't ready for, you could be at risk for injury.

Stay hydrated
Dehydration is one of the main causes of muscle cramps, according to Greatist. Make sure you fill up on water before, during and after your workout to stay properly hydrated. Think of your body like a car: If you don't fill up on gas before you leave for a long trip, you're likely not going to make it too far. Make sure, however, not to over drink, making your stomach feel full and uncomfortable.

Get proper rest
Many people believe that in order to reach their goals of getting in shape and staying in shape, they need to exercise every single day. However, if you don't give your body a little rest every once in a while, it's not going to perform to the best of its ability. Active suggested that you should avoid over-training and take at least one day off from your workout schedule each week. This gives your muscles time to rest and get stronger.

Many people in today's fast-paced world don't have enough time to plan out their meals, and their efforts to find foods that are quick and easy often mean that they end up eating something fried and greasy. Luckily, there are many delicious "superfoods" that can aid in weight loss while helping you stay healthy. Many of these foods take little (or no) time to prepare, so they're perfect for healthy eaters on the go.

1. Avocados
Many people are surprised to learn that avocados are healthy because they're so high in fat. Luckily, it's the good kind of fat – monosaturated fat – which can actually help your body maintain lean muscle tissue.

2. Soups with broth
While a heavy chowder or bisque won't help you shed pounds, a light, broth-based soup can be a great weight loss food. They're low in calories and high in vegetable nutrients, keeping you healthy and fit while getting your body the vitamins it needs.

3. Blueberries
Blueberries are a low-calorie, antioxidant-rich snack that's delicious to boot. Plus, they're bite sized, which makes them great for travel or as a part of your lunch at the office.

4. Apples
Like blueberries, apples are a great superfood because they're so compact – you can throw one in your backpack, gym bag or briefcase without worrying about Tupperware or plastic bags! They're low in calories and packed with fiber, and they may even help to prevent the buildup of belly fat.

5. Hot peppers
Not for the faint of heart, hot peppers – especially chili peppers - contain compounds called capsaicinoids that give them their fiery flavor. But in addition to their spicy taste, capsaicinoids have anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy effects. If you can take the heat, give chili peppers a try.

6. Oatmeal
That instant stuff won't do you too much good as it's chock full of sugar and calories, but old-fashioned, steel-cut oats are rich in nutrients and fiber that can help you lose weight.

7. Protein shakes
If you're looking for a tasty meal that's also easy to make, try a shake! Packed with protein that can keep you lean and fill you up, a protein meal replacement can be a tasty choice for breakfast or on your way to the gym.

8. Salmon
Eating salmon is a great way to improve your heart health. The fish is full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are one of the good fats that can lower cholesterol. Omega-3's are missing from many people's diets, and eating salmon can be a great way to fix that.

9. Nuts and seeds
Getting a little hungry between meals? Reach for some nuts or seeds. Raw, unsalted nuts are a healthy snack that can also be extremely satisfying and filling. You can also add a tablespoon of chopped nuts to many meals – a salad, for example – for a flavorful treat that's full of protein.

10. Green tea
It's always pleasant to unwind with a mug of tea, and green tea is well known for its antioxidant and anti-aging properties. But that's not all it has to offer – this particular type of tea contains catechins, which can boost metabolism and help you lose weight.

Whether you live in a city, in the mountains, at the beach or in a suburban neighborhood, biking can be a great way to get from place to place. In addition to being an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to get around, biking has numerous health benefits that can keep you fit while you're having fun. Here are ten reasons to grab life by the handlebars and take advantage of all your bicycle has to offer.

1. It's good for your heart
Because it gets your heart pumping and helps regulate breathing, bicycling can be good for cardiovascular health. Frequent biking can also help improve stamina and endurance.

2. Weight loss
Biking is a great way to burn calories and keep weight down, but it can also lead to a faster metabolism, meaning that you can stay fit even after your ride is over.

3. Benefits the immune system
Studies have shown that riding your bike can actually help strengthen your immune system, which may help keep you healthy year-round.

4. It's easy on joints
Unlike high​-impact physical activities like running, biking gets you moving without putting too much stress on your joints. Knees, ankles and feet can all benefit from a low impact fitness routine like cycling, which makes it an especially great exercise for those who may want to stay active while recovering from an injury.

5. Strengthens and tones muscles
Because cycling primarily uses your largest muscle group – the legs – many cyclists see improved muscle tone in their thighs, calves and hips. And, because it's a low-impact activity, you'll build muscle gradually without risking a muscle strain or tear.

6. Improves coordination
It's a fairly common misconception that biking is a workout that only helps your legs, but it's actually a full-body workout! Bikers pedal with their legs, steer with their arms and keep their heads on a swivel to look for cars and pedestrians. This can lead to improved arm-to-leg, feet-to-hands and body-to-eye coordination.

7. Reduces stress
According to some psychotherapists, biking can actually be extremely effective in reducing stress. In fact, more general practitioners are actually recommending that their patients try biking when they feel overwhelmed.

8. Improves mental health
In addition to lessening stress, biking can improve general mental health. Neurologists have found that a spike in endorphins occurs after bike rides, leading cyclists to experience a "biker's high," similar to what joggers feel after a run.

9. Corrects posture
Many of the muscles you use on a bike ride are the same ones that can help improve posture. Cyclists need strong abdominal muscles to pedal without wobbling, and the back is a contributor to bike fitness as well, especially on longer rides.

10. You'll sleep better
Many cyclists know how well a good bike ride can wear you out, and it's true – biking can help you fall and stay asleep each night. Scientists have found that outdoor exercise like cycling helps helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which can in turn improve and regulate sleeping patterns. In addition, because stress hormones like cortisol can prevent deep sleep, cycling's stress-relieving ability means you'll snooze more soundly, too.

The beautiful weather of summer makes it easy to want to get outside and stay active. You no longer have to rely on the gym, nature provides some of the best fitness equipment around. Get ready to breathe in the fresh air and start breaking a sweat for a natural immunity booster among many other health benefits. Here are some of the best summer outdoor fitness activities for you to try out before the weather starts to get cool and crisp:

Walking/running on the beach
There is something very different about walking on a sidewalk or a treadmill and walking on the beach. Not only does the soft, warm sand feel great squishing between your toes, your body is also benefiting greatly. Walking or running on sand requires a much greater effort than walking on a flat surface. Your tendons and muscles have to work harder with each step. Your feet sink in and it takes more energy to lift it out to take another step. This summer exercise is also great for your joints – acting as a natural cushion each time you walk or run.

Paddleboarding
If you're lucky enough to be near a body of water sometime this summer, you may want to try out the latest fitness craze: paddleboarding. Participants stand or kneel on a paddleboard and use a paddle to push themselves along on the water. It offers an amazing full body workout, and is especially good for toning your arms, back, biceps and shoulders.

Water skiing
This fun summer sport requires a unique distribution of force throughout the body. You use a variety of muscle groups to maintain a stable and upright position. It's a great upper body workout and even works on your endurance so you can sustain long periods of concentration.

Frisbee
Whether you're playing on a beach or a park, Frisbee is a great way to stay active and tone your arms. Get a group of friends together and try your hand at Frisbee golf, where you have to throw the​ disc in certain baskets in a set amount of throws, much like golf.

Swimming
Swimming is probably the most popular summer activity out there. Hop in a pool, lake or ocean and get your arms and legs moving to burn calories and work on your endurance. Swim laps or play fun pool games and you'll be slimming your waist without even knowing it.

It’s hard to keep tabs on all of the diets out there, along with which ones work and which ones don’t. There’s South Beach, Atkins, detox and more … who wouldn’t be overwhelmed? We’re here to inform you of all the ins and outs of one diet: the Paleo Diet.

What is the Paleo Diet?
This diet revolves around the idea of eating foods that existed when the cavemen roamed the earth, prior to the agricultural revolution, like animal proteins and plants. This means steering clear of dairy, refined sugar, legumes and grains. Instead, you’ll be filling your plate primarily with poultry, fish, meat, veggies and fruits. Those following this eating pattern hope to live a healthier and more fit life. By eating animal protein, fruits and vegetables, you’ll be getting beneficial nutrients like antioxidants, vitamins, phytochemicals, omega-3s, soluble fiber, monounsaturated fats and low-glycemic carbohydrates.

What are the benefits of this diet?
Following a strict diet filled with unlimited amounts of fruits and veggies could cause slow and limited rises in your blood sugar, and the omega-3s will help to reduce inflammation. While there is no significant evidence that the Paleo Diet causes weight loss, if you build a “calorie deficit” into your diet plan, where you’re eating fewer calories than your daily recommended max, you may slim your waist. And because fresh produce is essentially sodium-free, your salt intake will be significantly lower, warding off bloating and other poor health issues.

You’ll never get bored with the Paleo Diet, because there is such a wide variety of ways you can cook up different animal protein and fruits and veggies. Here’s a Paleo Diet recipe from Men’s Fitness to try out at home: Paleo Diet Asian Pepper Shrimp: Serves 4

You may have seen a kettlebell or two lying around your gym – they're weights with handles and resemble a basketball with a suitcase handle. People use kettlebells to really amp up their workout and build muscle.

These weights were invented in Russia and used by strongmen for decades. But how are kettlebells different from your typical dumbbell? Kettlebells offer individuals a wider range of motion than they would get from a standard dumbbell. They also work the whole body at one time without putting unnecessary strain on your joints. According to Jason C. Brown, owner of Kettlebell Athletics in Philadelphia, a kettlebell's center of gravity shifts throughout the exercise, rather than giving you that lopsided feel of a dumbbell. Users can flow easily from one exercise to the other without putting the weight down, making their workout more effective. And unlike a dumbbell, you only use one kettlebell, not two.

With these popular weights being available in a variety of sizes, they are accommodating to any fitness level. Try out this ultimate kettlebell workout from Men's and Women's Health magazines to burn calories and fat and build muscle. But keep in mind that you should complete each exercise back-to-back without resting. Once you're done with the circuit, rest for one to two minutes, then repeat for about two or three circuits.

Leg raise swing
Grab your kettlebell of choice with both hands, starting in a half squat. Hold the weight between your knees, keeping your arms straight and chest up. Swing the weight overhead, arms straight and as you do so, raise your right leg straight out to one side. Return to the starting position and repeat with the other leg. Do 15 reps.

Lateral lunge with bicep curl
Holding the weight in your right hand, step to the left and lower into a side lunge. Raise the weight up to your left shoulder and reverse the move to return to standing. Do 12 to 15 reps on each side.

Kettlebell single-arm snatch
Begin with your feet shoulder-width apart with a kettlebell in your right hand. Let the weight swing between your legs, and in one fluid motion, pull it forward and up. Once it reaches heart level, flip it behind your forearm and punch it overhead. It may take some practice, but once you train your body to do it all in one move, it's very effective.

Single-arm shoulder press
Stand with the weight just outside your shoulder, palm facing forward. Push the kettlebell straight overhead, then slowly lower it back down to the original position. Make sure to keep your elbow close to your side to maintain proper form.

Finish off your workout with a protein shake using Naturade Total Soy protein powder to help build muscle.

It's never good to start a work out on an empty stomach. With no food in your system, you'll have no energy to get you through the duration of your exercise. However, everyone works out at different times in the day. Some are early risers, while others are night owls and enjoy breaking a sweat in the later portion of the evening. The time you work out can help dictate what you should be eating before each workout.

Morning
If you're the kind of person that likes to roll out of bed and immediately slip into some running shoes, it's important you hit the kitchen first. But stray from a big meal of pancakes, sausage and eggs. Eating a full breakfast isn't ideal. Stick to a very light snack filled with protein and easily digestible carbs. Meal replacement smoothies are a great way to get some energy without being overly full. Try this protein meal adjusted from FitSugar for a delicious breakfast that won't slow you down during your workout:

Directions: Combine all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. This recipe makes one serving.

Afternoon
Some like to take their lunch break to work out at the office or head on over to the gym for a half hour or so. If you fall into this group, start by drinking plenty of water throughout the morning. This will keep you hydrated and full so that you're not tempted to eat a large lunch before working out. Keep it small and simple, like a whole-wheat bagel with jam, which is easy to digest and a great way to fuel your workout. It's best to eat 45 minutes to an hour before working out. If you exercise on a full stomach, you may feel sluggish and not get the results you're looking for.

Evening
Days can be busy, which leaves only the evening for you to get your workout in. This means you'll be breaking a sweat around dinner time. Dinner is often the largest meal, but if you're planning on exercising afterwards, make sure you don't overeat. One of the best dinners to have before a workout is brown rice with chicken. It's a simple dish that sits well in the stomach and has plenty of carbs and protein. Beans and lentils are also a good pre-workout snack and a great source of energy. Just remember to keep your portions small.

There are always plenty of new fitness crazes to try out these days, but not all of them are created equal. One trend that has been sweeping the nation is CrossFit.

What is CrossFit?
CrossFit is an exercise program which allows users to perform a mix of strength and conditioning exercises, as well as cardio. The program includes different exercises like running, jump rope, rowing, weight lifting, rope climbing and more. It enhances physical qualities including flexibility, power, speed, agility, coordination, endurance, stamina, strength, balance and accuracy. The intensity of the program aims to burn a high number of calories in a short period of time, while simultaneously improving aerobic fitness.

The history of CrossFit
While this exercise trend is fairly new, the general ideas behind the physical activity have been around for much longer. In the 1970s, former gymnast Greg Glassman started a concept that closely resembled CrossFit. It began in a Santa Cruz, California, garage in 1995. He discovered that through the use of dumbbells and a barbell, he could tone his muscles more accurately than any other gymnast he knew who was working with bodyweight only. In that same year, he was hired to train the Santa Cruz Police Department, which is when CrossFit was born. It was formally established in 2000 and by the year 2012, there would be 3,400 CrossFit affiliates worldwide. In 2007, the United States Marine Corps even started shifting their focus from a traditional training program to more of a CrossFit-oriented exercise regimen.

How to get involved
CrossFit isn't for everyone, due to the high-intensity exercises it involves. It's not recommended for those just starting to exercise or returning after a fairly long hiatus. It's a good idea to first work with a personal trainer to develop the necessary strength, skills and mobility needed for CrossFit.

If you find that CrossFit is something you would like to try, the good news is that you don't need to join a CrossFit affiliate gym in order to participate in the training program. If you choose to work out on your own, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

For those with little to no gymnastics or weightlifting skills, try to learn the movements for a month or two until you can perform the common exercise.

Don't hesitate to substitute exercises to meet your fitness level – knowing how and when to substitute is an art of sorts, and as you practice, you'll become more familiar with the moves and which ones need perfecting.

Follow the workouts of the day, otherwise known as WODs. However, before actually taking part in them, just watch them to get a good idea of what you'll be expected to do. Read the comments people are making on the CrossFit website and the substitutions they may have to make the workout more suitable to their fitness level.

If you don't attend a CrossFit gym, here are a few of the equipment items you'll want to think about getting: power-lifting barbell, rowing machine, set of dumbbells, lifting rack and bench, plyo-boxes, ab mat and medicine balls.

Maintain a diet which builds lean body mass. You need to be able to maintain and recover from frequent CrossFit workouts, which means having a healthy diet. Protein meals are essential for building muscle and giving the body the proper energy to continue with CrossFit.